Story, photos by Ray “Ray Mar” Martinez
Little did DJ Ray Martinez know, when he returned from a trip to Cuba in September 2019, the United States Navy would insist he become a guest speaker for the new year!
With his wife Zoila, (pronounced Zoy-La), presenter and DJ Ray Martinez has traveled the world, including several trips to Cuba.
Ray Martinez, also affectionately known as Ray Mar, is the single most highly recognized individual in the mobile DJ industry. Winner of numerous awards, as well as induction into the American Disc Jockey Hall of Fame, Ray Mar is only one of 13 members in the country to receive this recognition. He is also a NAME Entertainers board member, friend and advisor.
In 2019, Ray Mar completed his 45th anniversary as a professional DJ and entertainer. Ray was recognized for his continued support of the military by President Donald Trump and General Joseph Dunford Jr., 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (cross link here). To honor the military and veterans, Ray Mar offers a 50 percent discount off his services.
Now you will have the opportunity to meet him and learn about all the ways Cuba has changed over the years, the current travel regulations and more. Naval order companions, shipmates, veterans, and the public, simply follow the instructions below to attend this speaking engagement:
The Program: “Cuba: Then and Now”
Next Free Naval Order History Program: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Your brief email RSVP with subject labeled “I plan to attend” is appreciated by Sunday, January 26, 2020 sent to caroleenculbertson@earthlink.net
Meeting Details:
11:15 a.m.: Doors open at The Old Spaghetti Factory Restaurant, 1418 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (cross street: Lynwood, the restaurant is at the corner of N. Central Ave. & Lynwood).
Lunch is optional. Those wishing to have lunch and/or non-alcoholic beverages, please order and pay Treasurer Chief Barbara at the door upon your arrival. There are a few new policies at the restaurant. The special lunch menu consists of three entree choices with only one choice of salad dressing (ranch dressing).
Alcoholic beverages are on your own, please pay the server.
11:30 a.m. – Please place your order, if any, with Treasurer Chief Barbara Meegan assisted by Leon Artac.
Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm: Guest Speaker Program
Questions?
Please contact Carol Culbertson, CAPT, USN, Ret. Vice Commander & Registrar, Arizona Commandery, Naval Order of the U.S. via email caroleenculbertson@earthlink.net or call 602-799-9480.
The Naval Order of the United States (NOUS) was founded in 1890 by descendants of New England seafarers who fought in the Revolutionary War. The Naval Order encourages research and writing on naval and maritime subjects and promotes the preservation of historic artifacts and memories of our naval and maritime history. New Member dues are $60 the first year, and $40 the second year and thereafter. The Naval Order national web site is: www.navalorder.org. Our AZ Commandery welcomes historical and other educational topics and speakers from all branches of the armed forces and the community.
Be sure to save the date for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 (which happens to be Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras) for “Feet Wet in the Gulf of Tonkin”, a presentation by Ted Lloyd, Lt Col, USAF.
